New smartphone: Nokia 808 PureView

June 6th, 2012

Nokia’s monster-imager smartphone hits the shelves (S$839) in Singapore tomorrow, in Black and White.

The Nokia 808 PureView runs on Nokia Belle (Symbian OS 10.1) and features a camera with a 41-megapixel sensor, complete with Carl Zeiss optics.

Nokia 808 PureView will be available in Singapore tomorrow (S$839), in Black and White.

Nokia 808 PureView will be available in Singapore tomorrow (S$839), in Black and White.

The smartphone is available in Black and White and will will debut at the PC Show 2012 tomorrow at the booths of Nokia and all three major local Telcos SingTel, StarHub and M1.

41-megapixel camera sensor

41-megapixel camera sensor

The Nokia 808 PureView was first unveiled in February this year at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, together with a slew of other phones from Nokia.

The Nokia 808 PureView shoots photos at default 5MP resolution and Full HD 1080p videos. Pixel over-sampling technology is used to process image information (details, sharpness and colour) captured in the 41MP sensor into the final high-quality 5MP photo that is saved to memory.

The camera outputs photos at 2, 3, 5, 8, 34 and 38 megapixels resolution and comes with a powerful Xenon flash and LED video light.

The high-performance Carl Zeiss optics gives three times lossless zoom for stills, and 1080p full high-definition (HD) video recording with up to four times lossless zoom, giving you a smooth and completely silent zoom experience.

Black and White

Black and White

The Nokia 808 PureView’s camera activates in less than a second, and photos and full HD videos can be sent straight to Facebook or Flickr for sharing – at the touch of a button.

Photos and videos can be sent to another NFC-enabled phone with a simple tap. The phone can also be hooked up to a HDTV via HDMI or wireless streaming to view the phone’s contents on the big screen.

The new Nokia 808 PureView is the world’s first device to include Rich Recording that enables distortion-free audio recording at CD-like levels of up to 140 dB, which was previously only possible with advanced external microphones.

Nokia Belle OS

Nokia Belle OS

This promises faithful sound recording from the lowest base levels to the highest trebles – whether you are at a concert or at a cozy recital!

The phone also features Dolby Headphone, which is exclusive to Nokia smartphones.

With Dolby Headphone, you can get Dolby surround sound playback from any stereo headphone, so you can enjoy superb surround sound quality with movies, music, and even YouTube videos for an amazing entertainment experience everywhere.

The specifications of the Nokia 808 PureView can be viewed and downloaded below.

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Samsung GALAXY S II LTE for SingTel 4G

June 5th, 2012

The Samsung GALAXY S II LTE is now available at SingTel (S$298).

Samsung GALAXY S II LTE is now available at SingTel (S$298)

Samsung GALAXY S II LTE is now available at SingTel (S$298)

SingTel officially launched its 4G services for smartphones in Singapore yesterday. From today, customers who purchase a 4G-enabled handset with a SingTel Flexi and iFlexi plan can enjoy the 4G service.

The Samsung GALAXY S II LTE (S$298) is one of three handsets available at launch. The other two 4G smartphones are the HTC One XL (S$318) and the LG Optimus LTE (S$198).

The specifications of the Samsung GALAXY S II LTE can be viewed or downloaded below.

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SingTel launches 4G service for smartphones

June 4th, 2012

SingTel officially launches Singapore’s first 4G service for smartphones and reins in data usage by reducing 12GB data limit.

Mr Yuen Kuan Moon, SingTel’s CEO Consumer Singapore briefing on the launch of the 4G services for smartphones.

Mr Yuen Kuan Moon, SingTel’s CEO Consumer Singapore briefing on the launch of the 4G services for smartphones.

SingTel is also introducing new Flexi and iFlexi plans with reduced data bundles from 1 July 2012.

From tomorrow (5 June 2012), customers who purchase a 4G-enabled handset with a SingTel Flexi and iFlexi plan will be able to enjoy the 4G service.

Three handsets will be available at launch: HTC One XL, LG Optimus LTE and Samsung Galaxy S2 LTE.

4G LTE network

SingTel’s 4G service will provide mobile Internet access that is up to five times faster than existing 3G-based smartphone services, with one-fifth of the network latency.

“We need to break away from the traditional one-size-fits-all approach, which is not sustainable in the long term. Today, 64 per cent of mobile data on our network is consumed by 10 per cent of our subscribers. This prevents the remaining 90 per cent from enjoying the full benefits of the network. With our tiered pricing model, subscribers will pay for what they use, and this ultimately allows us to keep prices for our plans the same over time despite rising network costs,” explained Yuen Kuan Moon, SingTel’s CEO Consumer Singapore.Users can enjoy theoretical download speeds of up to 75Mbps and typical download speeds between 3.4Mbps and 12Mbps.

SingTel will also introduce its Priority Pass traffic priority feature for the 4G service next year.

This will provide subscribers with priority for their data traffic when the network is loaded, thus ensuring smoother streaming and downloads.

Islandwide rollout of SingTel’s 4G network is expected to be completed in early 2013.

In areas where 4G has not yet been deployed, users will fallback to 3G connectivity with download speeds of up to 42Mbps.

Check the coverage diagrams at the end of this post to see when you will be enjoy LTE coverage.

Data bundle cutback

Data bundles for most of SingTel’s Flexi plans have been reduced drastically from 12GB to a range of 2GB to 12GB, although the number of bundled SMS has been increased.

“At the same time, heavy users will benefit from the significantly reduced excess usage rates. Data traffic on our mobile networks has been growing at 62 percent each year since 2010 due to the tremendous growth of smartphones, tablets and mobile content. By encouraging fair usage of the network, we will be able to deliver consistently high-quality services for our customers,” Yuen said.Charges for data usage beyond bundled allowances have been revised to $5.35 per gigabyte from 1 July to 31 December 2013, and subsequently to $10.70/GB from 1 January 2013.

Approximately 10 per cent of SingTel’s subscribers who are heavy SMS users will save from the new improved SMS bundles.

The plans will be available to all new and re-contracting customers from 1 July 2012, and will replace existing 3G Flexi and iFlexi plans.

So if you don’t want to relinquish the existing 12GB data bundle, you can let the existing contract run in perpetuity – but you’ll have to forego the handset subsidies that come with re-contracting.

Mr Yuen noted that based on current usage patterns, 90 per cent of subscribers should not incur higher charges, as their data consumption does not exceed the new bundles.

Read about StarHub’s response to SingTel’s launch below.

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New Android smartphone: LG Optimus True HD LTE

June 4th, 2012

The 4G LTE smartphone from LG will be launched in Singapore on 7 June 2011. With an RRP of S$898 (without line), those interested can purchase it from SingTel at S$198, to start enjoying 4G speeds.

LG Optimus True HD LTE will be available from 7 June at S$898 (without line) and S$298 with a SingTel contract.

LG Optimus True HD LTE will be available from 7 June at S$898 (without line) and S$298 with a SingTel contract.

SingTel officially is launching its 4G services for smartphones in Singapore today.

From tomorrow, customers who purchase a 4G-enabled handset with a SingTel Flexi and iFlexi plan can begin enjoying the 4G service.

The LG Optimus True HD LTE (S$198) is one of three handsets available at launch. The other two 4G smartphones are the HTC One XL (S$318) and the Samsung GALAXY S II LTE (S$298).

The LG Optimus True HD LTE has a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, running on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS platform, which is upgradeable to the Android 2.4 Ice Cream Sandwich OS platform.

The 4.5-inch 1280 x 720 (16:9 ration) True HD IPS display gives users sharp and crisp images with 2.76 million (1280 x 720 x 3 RGB) sub-pixels.

“Singapore’s 4G LTE mobile networks are taking shape, making the arrival of the LG Optimus True HD LTE in Singapore timely,” said Mr. Scott Jung, Managing Director of LG Electronics Singapore.Content on the smartphone can also be shared through HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance).

Each purchase of the LG Optimus True HD LTE will come with an Audio Technica headset worth S$168, while stocks last.

The phone has a 1830mAH battery. The specifications of the LG Optimus True HD LTE can be viewed or downloaded below.

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PC Show 2012 promotions: TomTom

June 3rd, 2012

TomTom will be at the PC Show 2012 at Suntec Singapore at Level 3 Concourse, Booth 304; and Level 4, Booth A2022.

TomTom's PC Show 2012 promotions for portable GPS navigation devices.

Click on picture to view/download TomTom's PC Show 2012 brochures.

With the purchase of any TomTom GPS at the PC Show, customers will, for the first time ever, receive Lifetime Maps of South East Asia.

With road networks changing on average 15% a year, the map update service ensures that TomTom drivers enjoy a lifetime of free map updates – with four new maps of South East Asia released each year.

This means drivers will receive lifetime updates for the maps of: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, Hong Kong & Macau, all 7 of which come pre-loaded on TomTom devices.

TomTom will be at Level 3 Concourse, Booth 304; and Level 4, Booth A2022 during PC Show 2012.

Click to enlarge to see TomTom is located at the PC Show 2012.

TomTom is also offering S$50 off the VIA 220 (S$149) & VIA 280 (S$229) as well as GO 2050 (S$349) & GO2050 World (S$429). The VIA 260 (S$149) will be discounted by S$40. Prices in brackets are AFTER discounts.

Here’s the brochure for TomTom’s PC Show 2012 promotions for in-car location and navigation products and services.

Microsoft Windows 8 Upgrade Offer

June 2nd, 2012

Update 2 (18 July, 2012):

Microsoft’s Steven Sinofsky has just announced at its annual sales meeting that customers will be able to get Windows 8 on 26 October, 2012. This will be available both as an upgrade or on a new PC.

Wonder if the Surface will be available at the same date?

Update 1 (2 July, 2012):

Microsoft has announced that users who are currently running Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7  will qualify to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for US$39.99. Local pricing TBA.

Windows Media Center will also be available as a free option via the “add features” option within Windows 8 Pro after the upgrade.

This upgrade offer will be available in 131 markets and will run through 31 January 2013.

Are you thinking of buying a Windows 7 PC but are hesitating because Windows 8 is not generally available yet? Those who purchase eligible Windows 7-based PCs from today can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for S$17.99 (incl. GST) later on.

Those who purchase eligible Windows 7-based PCs from today can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for S$17.99 (incl. GST) later on.

Those who purchase eligible Windows 7-based PCs from today can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for S$17.99 (incl. GST) later on.

But what is an “eligible” Windows 7 PC? Here’s a summary of the criteria and terms for the Windows Upgrade Offer.

  • Consumers who have bought a Windows 7 PC preinstalled with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate; and includes a matching and valid OEM Certificate of Authenticity
  • The Windows 7 PC must be purchased new during the eligibility period of 2 June 2012 – 31 January 2013
  • The Windows 8 Pro download must be redeemed before end February 2013
  • The download will be made available to consumers on this offer starting the day Windows 8 is made generally available

Do note that the Windows 7 PC that you buy now will likely not come with a touch screen, so it won’t be able to use the touch interface for Windows 8 when you eventually upgrade.

PC Show 2012 at Suntec Singapore

June 2nd, 2012

The 22nd edition of Singapore’s longest running information technology (IT) and consumer electronics show returns for four days from June 7-10 at Suntec Singapore.

It is the second of four major IT shows in Singapore every year. The PC Show 2012 will open daily from 12pm to 9pm (admission FREE).

PC Show 2012 from 7 - 10 June at Suntec Singapore from 12 - 9 pm. Admission FREE.
The PC Show 2012 will be spread over four floors – 1, 3, 4 and 6– of Suntec Singapore. Over 600 exhibitors will be showcasing IT and consumer electronic products by major brands.

Last year, almost a million visitors bought over $53 million worth of IT and electronic products.

As in previous years, the PC Show comes just before Father’s Day (17 June for this year), so it’s a good chance to buy that latest electronic device at a good bargain.

Check out the list for some of the promotional offers during this year’s PC Show. Click here or the PC Show thumbnail near the top of the sidebar on the right to see a consolidation of postings on tech4tea.com related to PC Show 2012.

Floor plan for exhibitors on Level 4 of Suntec during PC Show 2012

Floor plan for exhibitors on Level 4 of Suntec during PC Show 2012

Organized by Lines Exposition & Management Services Pte Ltd, the show encompasses four sections – The PC Show 2012, Digital Imaging 2012, Game 2012, and Consumer Electronics 2012.

Floor plan for exhibitors on Level 6 of Suntec during PC Show 2012

Floor plan for exhibitors on Level 6 of Suntec during PC Show 2012

The four major IT exhibitions in Singapore are:

Exhibition Dates Venue
IT Show 2012 8-11 Mar Suntec Singapore
PC Show 2012 7-10 Jun Suntec Singapore
COMEX 2012 30 Aug – 2 Sep Suntec Singapore
SITEX 2012 22-25 Nov Singapore Expo

Get Microsoft Windows 8 NOW!

June 1st, 2012

Update (18 July, 2012):

Microsoft’s Steven Sinofsky has just announced at its annual sales meeting that customers will be able to get Windows 8 on 26 October, 2012. This will be available both as an upgrade or on a new PC.

Wonder if the Surface will be available at the same date?

Microsoft has announced that the Windows 8 Release Preview is now available for download in 14 languages.

Those who purchase eligible Windows 7-based PCs from 2 June can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for S$17.99 later on.

Windows 8 Release Preview is available for download now.

Windows 8 Release Preview is available for download now.

Windows 8 is entering the final stages of development and is on the road to general availability.

The Release Preview is available for download here, where you can also view a video of Windows 8 in action.

Notable improvements throughout the platform includes:

  • Improvements to Mail, Photos and People apps since Consumer Preview.
  • Increased personalization options for the Start screen.
  • Improved multi-monitor support.
  • Refinements to the way people find and download apps through the Windows Store.
  • New Family Safety features and enriched privacy and security controls when browsing online, including Do Not Track capabilities being turned on by default with Internet Explorer 10.
  • Enriched support for touch with Internet Explorer 10, including a new capability with Release Preview called “flip ahead” that allows users the option to flip between pages with the swipe of a finger, as well as a touch-friendly Adobe Flash Player now fully integrated into IE10.
  • New Bing apps, including those for Travel, News and Sports

For those planning to purchase new computers that currently come with Windows 7, Microsoft is rolling out the Windows Upgrade Offer program in 131 markets.

From June 2, 2012 to January 31, 2013, those who buy eligible PCs with Windows 7 can purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of S$17.99 (including GST).

Other offers will be announced later to help those with existing Windows 7-based PCs upgrade to Windows 8.

For more details about the Release Preview, check out this inside look from the Windows engineering team.

Lady Gaga reigns supreme while Barcelona FC pips Manchester United

June 1st, 2012

Who is the most popular celebrity in the world? And which is the most popular sports team or film in the social space? starcount.com trawls 11 top social networks to bring you the vote of 1.5 billion fans.

www.starcount.com is the latest social aggregation site that was launched in Singapore last night. Check out the leaderboards of leading celebrities in the social space.

www.starcount.com is the latest social aggregation site that was launched in Singapore last night. Check out the leaderboards of leading celebrities in the social space.

At the global launch of starcount in Singapore last night, guests invited to Pangaea in Marina Bay Sands checked their own favourites against what the social aggregation engine discovered in the social space on the Internet.

Here are the winners of the Social Star Awards 2012 for the various categories:

R&B Star Rihana
Sportsperson Christiano Ronaldo
Sportsteam Barcelona FC
Game Angry Birds
TV Show The Simpsons
Film Harry Potter
Film Star Selena Gomez
Asian Star Jackie Chan
Social Star Ray William Johnston
Singapore Stefanie Sun
Politician Barack Obama
Almighty Lady Gaga

As part of the inaugural Social Star Awards 2012, tweets were sent to the most popular personalities and entities on the social media scene from within starcount.com to congratulate them in winning the various categories.

Christiano Ronaldo pipped Lionel Messi to win the Sportsperson Award 2012, while “angry” Diablo 3 fans were disappointed that the Game Award 2012 went to Angry Birds.

Not surprisingly, Lady Gaga won the Almighty Award, as the most popular person on Earth – as at 31 May 2012. Coincidentally, she was performing live at her Born This Way concert in Marina Bay Sands.

Stefanie Sun was the most popular person in Singapore, while Jackie Chan was the most popular person in Asia and Hong Kong.

There were some surprises. Ray William Johnston, who won the Social Star Award, drew many blank looks from the guest present. The Film Star Award went to Selena Gomez. Perhaps thanks to her boyfriend?

You can check out your own genres and leaderboards on www.starcount.com.

Event: Global starcount launch in Singapore at Pangaea, Marina Bay Sands

June 1st, 2012

I attended the launch of the latest social aggregation website on the scene last night. It’s a website with leaderboards of the most prominent celebrities being followed in the social space.

Drew Thomson, Chief Executive Officer, All The Worlds Entertainment, bringing guests through the starcount website.

Drew Thomson, Chief Executive Officer, All The Worlds Entertainment, bringing guests through the starcount website.

Who is the most popular artiste in the world today?

No prizes for guessing that it’s Lady Gaga, who happened to be performing live in Singapore at that time – almost directly above the venue for the launch of starcount at Pangaea in Marina Bay Sands.

But which is the most popular football (as in soccer) club in the world?

There were equally riotous calls for Manchester United and Barcelona among the guests at the launch event.

Well, starcount says it’s Barcelona FC.

The starcount website is all about popularity.

It crawls the top 11 social networks on the Internet everyday to mine what 1.5million people are saying and sharing about celebrities or things (from sports clubs to musical instruments).

Based on the amount of buzz in the social space, each celeb is allocated a starcount score which is used in ranking them in all manners of leaderboards that users of the website can view.

Based and nurtured in Singapore, www.starcount.com looks set to tap and unlock the trove of opinions and sentiments swirling within the top 11 social networks on the Internet.

There are preset leaderboards in the usual categories (such as best films, most popular singers) for users to browse, or they can create their own charts (such as who serves the best macaroons in Tanzania).

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